What is an Infant Carrier Seat?

Parents have two options when selecting the right car seat for their child the infant car seats and convertible car seats. Infant car seats are only designed for rear-facing use, which means they have a shorter lifespan.

Infant carrier seats are commonly compatible with strollers (adapters sold separately) to create a travel system. This lets parents transfer their child from the car to a stroller easily without disturbing them.

Safety

Many parents are concerned about the safety of an infant's seat, particularly when they purchase one for the first time. As with all car seats, the infant seat was designed to safeguard your baby as safely as possible in a crash. They are most often positioned to the rear, making them the ideal choice for infants who face the highest chance of being injured in an accident.

These seats also feature extra padding to offer head protection, as well as lower anchors that secure the seat to the vehicle's chassis in case in the event of an accident. This is particularly crucial for babies with necks that are large and heads that can be easily injured by a sudden stop or crash. Most infant carrier seats can be used in conjunction with strollers, forming a travel system which allows you to easily transfer your baby from your car to the stroller without disturbing them.

The majority of infant car seats that swivel car seats include a base that can be used in other vehicles. This lets you take your baby with you wherever you go. This is a great option when you regularly take a taxi or ride-sharing service and can make travelling on airplanes with your infant much easier also.

Some infant carrier seats can be used on strollers that do not have a base. This allows you to keep your child safe on all kinds of trips and adventures. This is a great choice for grandparents who wish to assist you in transporting your child, too!

It is crucial to remember, too, that an infant car seat is not designed to be left alone on a surface that is soft. Infants can tip over or roll over, causing injuries and even the possibility of suffocation. It is crucial to read the directions before using an infant seat in a new place.

Portability

Many infant car seats are designed to be part of the travel system, which is which is a combination of the car frame and seat base that snap into one another to allow seamless transitions. Travel systems are great for babies, as they give parents the option to move their child from an automobile to a stroller without waking him up. This is the primary reason that more than 80% Babylist parents choose to purchase an infant seat.

Additionally, a lot of infant car seats work with most strollers. Stroller compatibility lets parents effortlessly take their baby out of the car and put them on a stroller frame for walking through a park or a grocery store. This is also a great feature to consider if you're planning on using a ride share or taxi service, since most of these services require that children be in car seats.

Infant car seats are generally lighter and smaller than convertible car seats. They are an ideal option for families that like to travel. Some infant car seats come with a handle, so parents can carry the seat on their own. This is especially useful for those planning a trip that you do not want to awake your baby for.

While infant car seats only last until your baby becomes a toddler and they have outgrown the weight and height limits Some convertible car seats can be used as a rear-facing seat for newborns, then converted to a forward facing infant car seat facing car seat for older children. These seats all-in-one are a great option if you're looking to keep your child in a safe seat for as long as is possible. You can also find an convertible seat that can change into a high-back booster seat when your child is no longer in the harness (or exceeds the weight and height limits). Make sure to look for this when you browse choices!

Ease of Use

An infant carrier seat is a rear-facing car seat which connects to a base in your car. These seats are designed to keep babies and newborns secure until they reach the weight and height requirements of a booster. Many infant car seats can be used with strollers. This makes it simple to transfer your child from the car into the stroller without disrupting their nap.

Look for an infant car seat with a detachable carrier that easily clips onto the base or a stroller. This will make it much easier to get your baby into and out of the vehicle particularly when their nap is over or they are hungry, thirsty, or bored. Examine the shoulder strap slots to make sure they are properly positioned for your child. If the straps are too low or high, they aren't used correctly and can be a risk in the event of a crash.

Certain infant car seats have lower anchors which can be used with or without the base. This is ideal for taxi rides or traveling via plane. It's important to check that the lower anchors are on an European routing path and are simple to install and release and look for an audible click to ensure the seat is secured properly. It's also helpful to find seats that have an easy-to-use harness and carrier adjustment system, such as Graco's Click Connect or the UPPAbaby SmartSecure feature.

Convertible car seats are the next level from an infant carrier and can be used until your child reaches their weight or height requirement for a booster seat. They can be used alongside a stroller, but don't offer the newborn car seat insert fit and convenience of a baby car seat. Some convertible seats can be converted into boosters. However they tend to be larger and less portable. This makes them difficult to maneuver when traveling in small vehicles or in crowded areas.

Installation

Car seats, particularly infant car seats, are difficult to install. It is essential to do it in a safe and secure manner. A few factors that could affect this include the position of the seat as well as the angle of the base, and the best car seats for newborns way to use the handle.

The majority of infant car seats are designed to be connected to a base that remains in the vehicle, a system often called a travel system. These seats are designed to be used in a rear-facing position, which is safer for infants than forward-facing seats. The majority of car seats have an indicator of angle built-in that can be used to determine if the seat is set at the right semi-reclined level for your child. The base may have an angle adjustor.

You should also check if the seat can adjust the height of the shoulder straps without needing to unthread and repeat the process. This can be a significant time-saver, as it is likely to have to be done several times throughout an infant's car seat use.

Certain cars have a hard spot in the back seat that is specifically designed to hold infant safety seats for cars. These are usually tucked deep into the crease between the cushion back of the seat and the bottom. These hooks should be able to snap into place quickly as they are designed specifically to fit the seat. They may also make distinct sounds when they are securely attached.

It's also a good idea to test out the car seat on an infant first to ensure it's suitable for your family. If your child is uncomfortable or the car seat won't connect to the base, you should look for another option.

Some car seats can be installed without a base, which is useful if you take public transportation or rely on taxi service like Uber. Follow the manufacturer's directions for removing and installing the vehicle without the base, but the majority will allow you to do so with the simple press of a button or lever. Many will provide an explicit "click" when it's secure enough.